Leviticus 20:24

But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I [am] the LORD your God, which have separated you from [other] people.

But I have said {H559} unto you, Ye shall inherit {H3423} their land {H127}, and I will give {H5414} it unto you to possess {H3423} it, a land {H776} that floweth {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}: I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, which have separated {H914} you from other people {H5971}.

But to you I have said, "You will inherit their land; I will give it to you as a possession, a land flowing with milk and honey."I am ADONAI your God, who has set you apart from other peoples.

But I have told you that you will inherit their land, since I will give it to you as an inheritance—a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the peoples.

But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land flowing with milk and honey: I am Jehovah your God, who hath separated you from the peoples.

Commentary

Leviticus 20:24 serves as a concluding summary and powerful reminder within a chapter primarily focused on laws of holiness, particularly regarding sexual purity and the rejection of pagan practices like child sacrifice. This verse underscores God's covenant faithfulness and the special identity He bestowed upon Israel.

Context

This verse comes at the end of a detailed list of prohibitions and the associated penalties for various sinful acts, especially those common among the Canaanite nations. Chapters 18-20 in Leviticus emphasize the importance of Israel's distinctive lifestyle, setting them apart from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the surrounding peoples. God warns that the land itself would "vomit out" its inhabitants if they defiled it with such abominations (Leviticus 18:28). Against this backdrop of stern warnings, verse 24 reiterates God's unwavering promise of the land, contingent upon their obedience and unique identity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Promise and Inheritance: God reaffirms His commitment to give Israel the Promised Land as an inheritance. This was a foundational promise made to Abraham (Genesis 12:7) and reiterated throughout the Exodus narrative. It highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant.
  • Abundance and Blessing: The description "a land that floweth with milk and honey" is a classic biblical idiom signifying extraordinary fertility, prosperity, and God's abundant provision. It paints a picture of a rich, self-sustaining land capable of supporting a thriving nation.
  • Holiness and Separation: The declaration "I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people" is central. It emphasizes Israel's unique status as a chosen people, set apart for God's purposes. This separation wasn't merely geographical but moral and spiritual, requiring a distinct way of life that reflected God's holy character. Their possession of the land was directly tied to maintaining this distinction.
  • Covenant Relationship: God identifies Himself as "the LORD your God," reinforcing the personal and exclusive relationship He had with Israel, demanding their exclusive allegiance and obedience in return.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "separated" in this verse is badal, which means to divide, distinguish, or set apart. This concept of *badal* is fundamental to the entire book of Leviticus, as it defines the boundaries between clean and unclean, holy and common, and ultimately, between Israel and the surrounding pagan nations. It's a call to a distinct identity and behavior.

Practical Application

While the initial promise of the land was for ancient Israel, the principles resonate for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness: Just as God was faithful to His promises to Israel, He remains faithful to His promises to us. We can trust in His provision and the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ (Ephesians 1:11).
  • Call to Holiness: Believers are likewise called to be a "peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9), set apart from the world's values and practices. Our conduct should reflect the character of our holy God, distinguishing us from the prevailing culture.
  • Blessings of Obedience: While our "land flowing with milk and honey" is spiritual and eternal, there are blessings that accompany obedience to God's commands, leading to a richer and more purposeful life in Him.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 14:2

    For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that [are] upon the earth.

  • Exodus 3:17

    And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

  • Exodus 6:8

    And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I [am] the LORD.

  • Exodus 3:8

    And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

  • Deuteronomy 7:6

    For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

  • Exodus 33:16

    For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? [is it] not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

  • Leviticus 20:26

    And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD [am] holy, and have severed you from [other] people, that ye should be mine.
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